Sevilla will make a bid for Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata when the winter transfer window opens in the New Year.
It was considered a major coup last January when David Moyes lured the Spain international from Chelsea, in a deal which surprised many due to the impact he had previously had at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho, though, had made the player surplus to requirements, so the Old Trafford club were happy to break their transfer record to take him in a £37.5million transfer.
Mata has since established himself as one of the most popular figures at United both in the dressing room and on the terraces, and he has scored 10 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the Reds. However, he has been unable to cement a regular place in the starting XI, and is often asked to perform in a role other than his preferred position just behind the frontman.
This was a problem Moyes struggled to resolve last season, and something his successor, Louis van Gaal, has also had to figure this term. Indeed, when the Dutch coach has a full complement of players to choose from, as rare as that has been during his injury-riddled tenure so far, it is likely Mata would be sat on the bench watching the likes of Wayne Rooney and Angel di Maria providing the creativity.
The 26-year-old has therefore been linked with a move away from United during the January window, although it is understood van Gaal would naturally prefer to keep him at least for the remainder of the season. But The Mirror claim Sevilla are set to test the club’s resolve with a bid for their number eight when the transfer window reopens, as they look to secure a UEFA Champions League berth.
Los Rojiblancos finished in fifth position in La Liga last term, and have again started the current campaign in impressive form. Unai Emery’s side are fourth in the standings after 13 matches, although they have lost heavily to two of the three sides above them: champions Atletico Madrid beat them 4-0 back in September, and Barcelona eased to a 5-1 win last month.
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